Elected to the First Nations Forestry Council in 2008 by the BC Assembly of First Nations, Ta-lall-SHAM-cane siyam Bill Williams has been a member of the community’s Hereditary Council since 1995. Chief Williams has played a leadership role among First Nations by successfully blending business and conservation efforts.

Chief Williams is the President of the First Nations Forestry Council.

Appointed by the First Nations Summit, Harley Chingee is the current Chief of the McLeod Lake Indian Band with over 20 years experience in First Nation administration and business management. Chief Chingee brings a wealth of forest sector policy experience to the First Nations Forestry Council.

Chief Chingee is committed to increasing First Nations access to, and involvement in, the forest sector.

Appointed by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Michael Kelly is a member and former councillor of Leq’a:mel First Nation. Michael retired early, after 35 years, working with the Provincial Government in the BC Ministry of Highways.

Kelly has worked extensively in the Engineering Technical and Inspection component of highway construction, and after leaving the BC Ministry of Highways in 2002, he worked as a machine operator in the public works section at the University Endowment Lands until 2009.

Dan is a registered professional forester for the Nk’Mip First Nations Woodland Licence since it’s inception in 2018. He works closely with the licencee (Osoyoos Indian Band, OIB) to establish and implement the guiding principles and goals that the OIB envisions. This includes ensuring that multiple objectives are addressed across the tenure is a critical component of all planning, and has given Dan the opportunities to connect with other stakeholders throughout the area as well. By recognizing the rights and management concerns of First Nations, local residents, range holders, woodlot licencees, recreational groups, local community groups and environmental societies, as well as local government in general – Dan has connected and collaborated with a wide diversity of interests. This collaboration ensures that planning and activities on the First Nation Woodland Licence tenure runs smoothly and that the Osoyoos Indian Band has the main voice in the way the forests in their traditional territory are managed.

Dan looks forward to being a director on the BC First Nations Forestry Council Board to learn more from other First Nations tenure holders across the province.  “I’m very humbled to be part of this experienced and knowledgeable Forestry Council team, and I look forward to moving our agenda and priorities to the top of the list of changes to forest legislation and policies to increase the role of First Nations as full partners in the BC forest sector.”